Portsmouth estate agents admit 'tough times' as government calls for moves to be delayed

THE property market is facing ‘tough times’ amid the coronavirus outbreak with viewings now off limits as the government calls for moves to be delayed.
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Estate agents in Portsmouth have said the new measures following the national lockdown mean they are also unable to do valuations, while surveys cannot be undertaken.

The pandemic means moving house is now only permitted where moves are taking place into a vacant property simultaneously on the same day.

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Agents, like most other industries, are now working remotely and keeping customers informed.

Surveyor with home ownerSurveyor with home owner
Surveyor with home owner

Tim Bourne, sales manager of Fratton-based Chinneck Shaw, said: ‘The government announcement has obviously stopped us from doing viewings but even before the lockdown there had been a reduction in business levels due to the pandemic.

‘We were not showing that many people around due to public concern. We have done the odd exchange but we are only permitted to do simultaneous moves on the same day into vacant properties.

‘Surveys can’t be done at the moment and local authority searches have ground to a halt. It is tough times - but it is testing times for the nation.’

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The government advice on moving house says ‘home buyers and renters should, where possible, delay moving to a new house while measures are in place to fight coronavirus’.

The advice states: ‘If you have already exchanged contracts and the property is currently occupied then all parties should work together to agree a delay or another way to resolve this matter.

‘If moving is unavoidable for contractual reasons and the parties are unable to reach an agreement to delay, people must follow advice on staying away from others to minimise the spread of the virus.

‘In line with government’s advice, anyone with symptoms, self-isolating or shielding from the virus, should follow medical advice which will mean not moving house for the time being, if at all possible.’

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Despite the challenges being faced, Mr Bourne said things were ‘not too bad so far’. Staff, working remotely, are able to stay in touch with customers.

He added: ‘We are still talking on the phone about possible moves and can offer guidance on houses and provide telephone valuations.

People we’ve spoken to have been very understanding and have taken the attitude that there are more important things.

‘Things are on pause at the moment but hopefully we can press play soon.’

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The defiant message was echoed by Adam Redman, branch manager of North End based Jeffries.

‘We can’t do viewings but we have done 15 exchanges (since lockdown) where people are moving on the same day,’ he said. ‘There are essential moves for people’s lives that have to go through.

‘All the proper steps are taken to make sure properties are clean and appropriate measures are followed.

‘We can’t do valuations but are speaking to people over the phone and scheduling these in for a later date. We are getting things lined up so we can crack on when things get back to normal.’

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He added: ‘We have had to furlough some people but where possible we can do those bits for now.’

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